An Indian learning within the United Kingdom discovered himself ensnared in an online of slander throughout the pupil union elections on the London School of Economics (LSE) for supporting the event of “Bharat” under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pune-born Satyam Surana last year came into the spotlight when he defiantly picked up the tricolour from the road during an attack at the Indian High Commission by extremist elements. In a series of social media posts on March 26, Satyam said he was targeted for taking a pro-India position on issues like terrorism and Ram mandir, during the LSE student polls.

Called ‘fascist and worse’

Satyam’s ordeal began when his campaign posters for the position of  General Secretary were defaced and torn. Recalling the series of events, he revealed, “There were crosses on my face, it was written ‘anyone but Satyam’. I was cancelled out.” As the election fervour heightened, Satyam stated the smear marketing campaign in opposition to him additionally elevated. Messages flooded LSE teams, branding him as a ‘BJP supporter,’ ‘fascist,’ and worse,” he told news agency ANI, adding, that the messages were “seditious and contentious of the Indian government.”

Satyam stated that his social media presence grew to become a battleground, with innocuous posts twisted to suit a nefarious agenda. Satyam, disheartened by the vicious assaults, remarked, “My posts have been used with a malicious agenda to name me a ‘fascist.'” Despite his manifesto focusing solely on campus improvements, Satyam found himself unfairly targeted.

“When these messages started coming, my entire team was shocked, we were in a dilemma,” he confessed, revealing the toll the hate campaign took on his morale. Satyam’s previous activism, together with his courageous act of choosing up the nationwide flag amidst Khalistani protestors, grew to become ammunition for his detractors. “I used to be focused for calling Khalistanis as ‘terrorists’ in considered one of my posts,” he said, highlighting how his patriotism was twisted into an indictment.

‘Left-wing campaign’

Even his association with dignitaries like Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis became fodder for malicious propaganda. Satyam decried, “My photograph with Mr. Fadnavis was used to claim that I am linked to the BJP.” Throughout the ordeal, Satyam remained resolute, attributing the smear marketing campaign to political motives. “The marketing campaign was dictated and deliberate by the left wing,” he asserted, pointing fingers at those threatened by his nationalist stance.

“Ideological Hijacking of Educational Institutions by the LEFT is something I’ve always spoken against! The youth is the easiest target to brainwash & deviate from the path of Truth! Rashmi Samant & Karan Kataria (other Indian students) have fought battles against it! I am one more person in this long battle,” Satyam stated in considered one of his posts on X.

Reflecting on the broader implications of the incident, Satyam stated, “Every worldwide individual is trying as much as India and looking out as much as the present Prime Minister as a stalwart legendary politician.” He condemned the dissemination of misinformation aimed at undermining India’s progress under PM Modi. Despite the setbacks, Satyam’s spirit remains unbroken. He draws strength from the support he received, acknowledging, “I did get support from many people who stood by me in this hour.”